Written By: Twyla Rownak, MS, LPC, LMFT Director Of Counseling Services
SPSFNWA provides free individual, family, and group therapy sessions to ALL program recipients following the private practice model because we know that everyone struggles and can benefit from therapy.
Mental health awareness is health awareness. Just as exposure to germs increases the likelihood of a physical illness, exposure to adversity increases the likelihood of a mental illness. Checking in with a physician or professional therapist early reduces those risks of illness.
“Taking care is one way to show your love. Another way is letting people take good care of you when you need it.” Fred Rogers
Safety and Significance; Ability and Belonging – 4 key elements that affect mental health.
Encouragement Group gives our single parents the opportunity to meet past and current recipients and help each other meet those 4 key needs. As a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator, Twyla lead recipients through Dr. Brené Brown’s The Daring Way, Rising Strong, and Gifts of Imperfection group work. Together they faced shame and built up their resiliency and courage.
“I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.” Brené Brown
One of a parent’s biggest fears is often that their children will suffer. Parents worry about their children’s mental and physical health more than they worry about their own. Counseling services at SPSFNWA help our scholarship recipients take good care of themselves and their children.
“A child’s mental health is just as important as their physical health and deserves the same quality of support.” – Kate Middleton
Twyla has 5,000+ hours of child and family therapy experience and meets with parents to help them assess the level of support that will most help their family. Counseling interns study under some of the best play therapists in AR and together we make a team to help the whole family feel more connected and empowered to grow and learn together.
What we experience affects our minds and bodies, and we at SPSFNWA encourage single parents to find their healthy balance through it all.
